Ivana Alawi, one of the country’s most popular influencers and actresses, took a moment on Father’s Day to remember her late father, Samier Al-Alawi, with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
“Happy Father’s Day Dad, I miss you ❤️,” Ivana wrote, captioning a throwback photo of herself as a toddler with her father — a touching tribute that moved fans and followers alike.
Ivana’s father passed away in December 2018 due to a heart attack. She was the last among her family to see him alive.
In a previous interview on ‘Magandang Buhay’, Ivana emotionally recalled that final moment: “Pagdating ko dun sa hospital, proud na proud siya, e. ‘Huy, napapanood kita sa TV,’ sabi niya. ‘Picture nga tayo.’ So umupo siya, nag-picture kami… ‘Tapos wala na, inatake na,” she shared.
She added that her mother and siblings arrived just minutes too late: “Yung sad dun, yung mom ko at saka lahat nung kapatid ko, hindi siya naabutan. Parang mga 10 minutes late sila.”
Born and raised in Bahrain, Ivana returned to the Philippines during her teenage years to live with her mother, Fatima Marbella, after her parents separated. She has since become a household name, admired not only for her beauty and charisma but also for her resilience amid life’s challenges.
In 2024, Ivana continued to face personal and public battles — including a legal dispute with a jewelry brand and the circulation of false rumors about her health and personal relationships. “Nasa court po kami ngayon. Hindi ako pwede magbigay ng details, mapapagalitan ako ng lawyer ko,” she candidly told the press with a laugh.
Amid the noise of fame, Ivana has remained grounded, often seen expressing love for her family — especially her youngest sibling, Mona Louise Rey, a former child actress who battled polycystic ovary syndrome last year.
Even on social media, Ivana finds time to share her everyday joys — like indulging in her favorite passion fruit chocolate — reminding fans that behind the glamour is a woman who continues to cherish the simple, meaningful moments, especially those tied to the memory of her father.